Pages

GUEST POST | How to Dress for Out-of-Office Drinks this Christmas

12/08/2018

It’s already mid-December and the festive season is finally here, meaning that there are tons of opportunities to head out with your friends for an after-work drink or two. Perhaps you’ve had a busy month and want to celebrate your success, or maybe you just need a good chat over cocktails at the bar. Whatever the reason, you want to look good. Choosing an outfit that works both in and out-of-office can be tricky – but it’s 100% achievable!

Luckily, this office-to-bar fashion guide inspired by the hottest trends from AW18 will help you look flawless this festive season.

Simple style

It’s a good idea to choose an outfit that doesn’t require too much preparation after a busy work day. Like every year, we’re embracing the glitz and glam of the winter season so include a touch of sparkle in whatever you choose. This chunky knit and skirt combo is perfect for a seasonal party, keeping you warm enough for when you’re walking from bar to bar but dressy enough for when you hit the dancefloor. The style of this jumper is ideal for the office, and the high-neck brings an edge to your workwear look. Simply pair with black jeans throughout the day and swap for a mini-skirt for the evening. Pair with your favourite pair of heeled pointed courts and clutch bag, complete with gold embellishments, and you’re ready for whatever the night holds.

If you absolutely must change your outfit before you go out, you can strike a balance. Style down a jumper dress during the day with tights and flat pumps and dress it up on the evening with a cross-body bag and printed shoes. Black is the perfect colour for work-to-play as it gives off sophisticated vibes in a business meeting and creates a classy evening look when you head out to the bar. Accessorise with chunky drop-earrings and statement rings to complete the look.

Colour inspiration

Of course, not all after work meet-ups involve drinks at the bar. Going out for a restaurant meal is also a great option if you’re in need of a catch up with friends. Style-up in this season’s colour palette — autumnal brown. Choose a culotte waistline to show off your curves but keep it formal with a jumper and blazer. When it’s time to clock-out, swap your smart coat for a leopard print jacket and you’re ready for the evening! Bringing together different garments from the same colour palette is an on-trend technique that’s ideal for work-to-play outfits — it creates a look that’s well put together and not too loud for work.

If muted brown tones aren’t for you, you could try adding a splash of colour to your outfit. Deep burgundy, emerald green and mustard yellow are all on-trend this season and won’t look too bold for the office. A good way to make an outfit more formal is to add a tailored blazer and mid-heel court shoes, you can even tweak your look by wearing your hair in a neat bun to exude a work-ready vibe. Once you’re out-of-office has been switched on, remove your blazer and throw on a pair of block-heel mules or studded suede heeled sandals to give the illusion of beautifully elongated legs.

Dressing for December

Let’s face it, as enjoyable as the Christmas season can be, it’s one of the coldest times of the year – you might want to think about wrapping up a little more than you would for a summer night out. Fortunately for us, knitted jumper dresses come in a range of styles today, suitable for all shapes and sizes. Choose one with a leg-split for something that’s less formal where can show off your pins post-5pm.

Evening dresses with a long hemline and high-neck tops are great for office fashion as they are both comfortable and presentable for workplace activities. But what do you do in the evening? When it’s time for drinks, use a belt to cinch in your waist and create a gorgeous, party-ready silhouette. Then, throw on your tallest pair of heels to get you in the mood for a fun night out. Dress up your look with statement jewellery — think chunky necklaces, bangles, and big hoop earrings — then quickly slick on an extra layer of mascara and eyeliner and you’re good to go for a big night out in minutes.